The third annual Gosport Regatta at Star Island will feature an overnight island stay at the historic Oceanic Hotel and three live musical performances, June 8-10.

Guests are invited to board the official spectator boat the M/V Thomas Laighton operated by the Isles of Shoals Steamship Co., watch a sailing race unfold live on the water and attend the island party Saturday, June 9. Spectators and crew members may also stay for the weekend in one of the island cottages during the regional pursuit race, hosted by Star Island and the Piscataqua Sailing Association. The Shops on Star will be open to the public for regatta weekend offering books, gifts, regatta wear, and more. Tickets are now on sale at www.gosportregatta.org.
“We welcome Seacoast residents, sailing enthusiasts and New Hampshire visitors to discover Star Island and the Isles of Shoals by participating in the 2012 Gosport Regatta,” said Angela Matthews, director of development at Star Island. “Stay overnight and experience an extraordinary glimpse of life as it was in the 19th century. The weekend activities will include an island overnight stay and performances by three local bands.”

On Friday, June 8, Tom Brown and the No Rehearsal Band will perform at a private party for the Sponsor’s and Skipper’s Reception at the Discover Portsmouth Center, 5:30 – 8 p.m. His interest in the event doesn’t stop with music. Brown will board the committee boat Saturday to serve as a race judge. He will announce the winners at the awards reception at Star Island after the race.

The Funky Divas return to the stage this year to perform live for the post-race celebration on Saturday, June 9, 1:30 – 6 p.m. The nine-member band will be serving up a mix of traditional, a cappella, Zydeco, folk and rock ‘n’ roll. Diva Manager Vicky Avery is looking forward to her return to Star Island. “We are playing all afternoon as the boats come in and a full show to cap off the evening,” said Avery.

Spectators and crew members who choose to stay on island are also invited to attend the Sunday brunch featuring Joanne Connolly with jazz combo Seasmoke before traveling back to the mainland June 10. Connolly touts a wide range of influences and she is excited to perform at the event. She has a passion for creating music and she believes, “Singing is like swimming; you dive in, relax, are buoyed up and feel connected to it all.”

Tickets to the Sunday brunch may be purchased through the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company and include round-trip ferry service and jazz brunch in the dining room of the Oceanic Hotel. Star Island is one of the rocky, wind-swept Isles of Shoals located six miles off the coast of Rye. Members of public are invited to spend a day, stay a week and remember for a lifetime. Proceeds from the 2012 Gosport Regatta will support Star Island’s green initiatives.

Ticket prices for the 2012 Gosport Regatta are crew $35; spectator aboard M/V Thomas Laighton $75; crew with overnight at Star Island $145, and spectator with overnight $170. Follow Gosport Regatta on Twitter at www.twitter.com/gosportregatta and join the conversation with hashtag #gosportregatta. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.gosportregatta.org.

Our Mission

Our mission since 1915 is to hold and maintain Star Island and such other property as the Corporation may hold or acquire, as a center for religious, education, and kindred purposes consistent with the principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association and the United Church of Christ.

Our Vision

Our vision is to create on Star Island an environment that frees all who come to renew spiritually, explore matters of consequence, and gain knowledge about the world as it might ideally be.